Wilderness Time

by Griffin, Emilie

• ISBN13: 9780060633615
• ISBN10: 0060633611
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-09-24
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publications

Summary

Time in "the wilderness" -- solitary meditation on simplicity, prayer, and other key disciplines of faith -- is directly in keeping with Jesus' example of going apart to pray. Now, with the clarity and encouragement that distinguish the Renovar_ collection of spiritual resources, this gentle guide to retreat unshrouds that historical tradition -- and so reveals marvelous opportunities for spiritual renewal in contemporary Christian practice. Helping us to create self-guided retreats -- for individuals or groups -- Emilie Griffin offers plans, encouragements, and suggestions based on her own experience and fortified by the inspiring words of contemporary Christian writers such as Eugene Peterson, Luci Shaw, and Virginia Stem Owens. A virtual primer for retreat, this volume defines the basics and provides practical tips on setting realistic expectations and on achieving the relaxation and freedom necessary for the soul to become, in the words of de Caussade, "light as a feather." A detailed one-day retreat makes an ideal model for first-timers, and several different examples illustrate how time in the wilderness can be both accessible and wonderfully illuminating -- no matter what your schedule. Wilderness Time is another balanced, practical strategy from Renovar_ helping us grow closer to God.

Table of Contents

Foreword	ix
Richard J. Foster
1. An Invitation	1	(20)
2. The Disciplined Retreat	21	(6)
3. Retreating Inwardly Disciplines of Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, and Study	27	(12)
4. Retreating Outwardly Disciplines of Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, and Service	39	(10)
5. Retreating Corporately Disciplines of Confession, Worship, Guidance, and Celebration	49	(10)
6. Designing the Retreat	59	(8)
7. Three Suggested Retreats	67	(12)
One-Day Retreat with Hannah and Samuel General Intention: Renewing One's Call	67	(3)
Three-Day Retreat with the Prophets General Intention: Hearing God's Voice	70	(6)
Seven-Day Retreat with Mark's Gospel General Intention: For a Deeper Understanding of Discipleship	76	(3)
8. Encouragements	79	(12)
Texts for Reflection	91	(10)
Further Reading	101	(6)
Endnotes	107	(4)
Sources of Texts for Reflection	111	(2)
About the Author	113